Is this scale in the pot?

[SundayGardener]

Hello,

I am fairly positive that I found scale on a few orchids, which I spot treated with rubbing alcohol (removing the scale). However, I have seen what looks like scale to me inside plastic pots. In the past, because the spots don't move, I decided they were bits and pieces of spaghnum moss. I've only seen these spots in pots that have pieces of spaghnum moss in the media. Now of course I am more suspicious and thinking that I need to repot.

I have seen spots like this shortly after repotting as well, which is another reason I didn't take them seriously.

Hopefully the pictures are clear enough for a verdict. They are basically well defined white spots with smooth edges, that to me look somewhat like a white seed hull or a dead insect or cast off shell of an insect.

[Dollythehun]

What does the underside look like when you pop them off?

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

What does the underside look like when you pop them off?

Good idea.

Pop one off with the point of a pocket knife.

Look with a magnifier. If it has legs etc.
underneath: scale.

[camille1585]

Looks like bits of sphagnum in the pot. You could always unpot one to have a closer look, and put your mind at ease.

[SundayGardener]

OK, so it could just be spaghnum! This is one of the reasons why I hate using it!

For the scale that was actually on the plants, when I wiped them off it was slightly gray (but that could also be dust, so...)

[rbarata]

You could use imidacloprid or thiacloprid. In a month they are all gone.

[almiroty]

Originally Posted by rbarata

You could use imidacloprid or thiacloprid. In a month they are all gone.

i live in a highrise and my orchids are in the balcony with only a screen and glass doors separating the balcony from the living room.
i have scale in the balcony orchids. where can i buy imidacloprid or thiacloprid? how safe are they to use? i have pets.
tks!

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by rbarata

You could use imidacloprid or thiacloprid. In a month they are all gone.

It's pretty safe. It's in flea and tick product I use on my cats. Just be prudent.

[almiroty]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

It's pretty safe. It's in flea and tick product I use on my cats. Just be prudent.

Which one do you recommend and any ideas of where to buy it?

[Clawhammer]

Originally Posted by almiroty

Which one do you recommend and any ideas of where to buy it?

Bayer 3-in-1. You should be able to find it online.